Enrico Passarella, Author at The Cult of Calcio

Luis Alberto has put to rest the uncertainty about the future by penning a renewal till 2027 and has progressively won over Maurizio Sarri.

Recent Events and Turnarounds Lessen Lazio Needs

January 26, 2023 Enrico Passarella Calciomercato, Italian Football, Lazio, Serie A, Serie A 2022-2023, Transfer Market

The recent results and performances by some players will likely affect the Lazio moves down the stretch in the January window. Luis Alberto has resumed being a regular and has been effective since returning to the starting lineup. Elseid Hysaj has also shown better, while Ciro Immobile will be back soon.

Since the future break-up has become official, Inter are considering partying ways with Milan Skriniar, but PSG are unlikely to meet their price tag.

Inter to Consider Lowball Offer from PSG for Skriniar

January 26, 2023 Enrico Passarella Calciomercato, Fiorentina, Italian Football, Lille, PSG, Serie A, Serie A 2022-2023, Transfer Market, Udinese

Since the future break-up has become official, Inter are considering partying ways with Milan Skriniar immediately, but PSG are unlikely to meet their price tag. The Nerazzurri would like to get €20M to sell the Slovak in January, but the French giants are plotting to propose just €10M.

The next wave of accusations against Juventus risks involving several more sides, both in the courts of justice and on the pitch.

Players Possibly Facing Bans in Next Juventus Trial

January 26, 2023 Enrico Passarella Atalanta, Italian Football, Juventus, Roma, Sassuolo, Serie A, Serie A 2022-2023, Tottenham

While Juventus are waiting for the motivations of their first conviction and preparing the appeal, the following chapter risks involving several more sides, both in the courts of justice and on the pitch. Rather than facing multiple trials, all the new accusations stemming from the Prisma inquiry will merge into one.

Fiorentina and Napoli completed the swap of backup goalies, with Salvatore Sirigu joining the Viola and the Partenopei adding Pierluigi Gollini.

Sirigu Comments on Napoli Departure and Fiorentina Move

January 26, 2023 Enrico Passarella Calciomercato, Fiorentina, Italian Football, Napoli, Serie A, Serie A 2022-2023, Transfer Market

Fiorentina and Napoli completed the rumored swap of backup goalies Wednesday, with Salvatore Sirigu joining the Viola on a permanent transfer and the Partenopei adding Pierluigi Gollini on loan from Atalanta. The veteran discussed the transfer with a hint of bitterness on his new club’s social media pages.

Nicolò Zaniolo has an agreement on personal terms with Milan, but the Rossoneri have made little progress in the deal with Roma.

Zaniolo Keen on Milan Move but Roma Set Pricey Terms

January 25, 2023 Enrico Passarella AC Milan, Calciomercato, Italian Football, Roma, Serie A, Serie A 2022-2023, Tottenham, Transfer Market

Nicolò Zaniolo has an agreement on personal terms with Milan, but the Rossoneri have made little progress in the deal with Roma. They proposed a loan with obligation to buy tied to their Champions League qualification. The attacker would earn €3.5/3.7M if he transferred, close to what he asked his current side.

Weston McKennie has been available for the entirety of the January window, and Leeds United are now in the lead to capture him.

Leeds United Jump Ahead of Competition for Juventus Ace

January 25, 2023 Enrico Passarella Arsenal, Calciomercato, Italian Football, Juventus, Leeds United, Premier League, Serie A, Serie A 2022-2023, Spezia, Transfer Market

Weston McKennie has been available for the entirety of the window, and after turning down a few destinations, Leeds United are now in the lead to capture him. Unlike previous suitors, the midfielder is keen on Whites since they have an American coach and various members of the USMNT in their squad.

Roma are pondering goalkeeping reinforcements to arrive at the Stadio Olimpico come summer despite Rui Patricio’s contract at the club expiring in 2024.

Napoli Set Sights on Empoli Goalie and Budding Starlet

January 25, 2023 Enrico Passarella Calciomercato, Empoli, Italian Football, Napoli, Serie A, Serie A 2022-2023, Transfer Market

Napoli are the latest team to lay eyes on Guglielmo Vicario, even though Alex Meret has been tremendous this season after penning an extension. His performances have drawn the attention of Premier League sides. The Azzurri are open to weighing offers. Tommaso Baldanzi is also on their radar.

Chris Smalling made his intention known before the recent Europa League clash against RB Salzburg, and Roma are trying to make it happen.

Inter Not Yet Major Threat to Lure Smalling from Roma

January 25, 2023 Enrico Passarella Calciomercato, Inter Milan, Italian Football, Juventus, Roma, Serie A, Serie A 2022-2023, Transfer Market

A recent meeting between the agent of Chris Smalling and Roma didn’t lead to an agreement to extend his expiring contract amid the interest from Inter and Juventus. However, he’s currently negotiating just with Roma currently. The center-back can stick around even without a new deal, thanks to an option.

In a rare interview, John Elkann, who controls the holding that owns Juventus, addressed the recent sentence and paved the way for a future reconciliation.

Juventus Owner Slams Sports Justice After Conviction

January 25, 2023 Enrico Passarella Italian Football, Juventus, Serie A, Serie A 2022-2023

In a rare interview, John Elkann, who controls the holding that owns Juventus, addressed the recent sentence and paved the way for a future reconciliation: "The injustice is evident. Others pointed it out too, not just Bianconeri fans. We will defend ourselves with determination to protect the interest of our fans."

Milan director Paolo Maldini admitted the difficulties but urged to avoid panicking following the large defeat to Lazio Tuesday.

Maldini Comments on Milan Crisis and Transfer Market

January 25, 2023 Enrico Passarella AC Milan, Calciomercato, Italian Football, Roma, Serie A, Transfer Market

Milan director Paolo Maldini admitted the difficulties but urged to avoid panicking in his post-game remarks following the large defeat to Lazio, scoffing at a question about whether the club still trusted Stefano Pioli. “It’s a tough moment, as we have lost two objectives, the Coppa Italia and the Supercoppa."

Milan seriously considered appointing Maurizio Sarri in 2015 after his successful and critically acclaimed run at Empoli.

Milan Didn’t Hire Sarri for Futile Reasons Back in 2015

January 24, 2023 Enrico Passarella AC Milan, Empoli, Italian Football, Lazio, Napoli, Serie A, Serie A 2022-2023

Milan seriously considered appointing Maurizio Sarri in 2015 after his successful and critically acclaimed run at Empoli. Adriano Galliani and Silvio Berlusconi were leading the club at the time. They discussed it at length, but they were hesitant, and Napoli eventually beat them to the punch.

On top of searching for reinforcements, the Serie A heavyweights are trying to rid themselves of excess players near the end of the transfer market window.

Milanese Clubs and Roma Hard at Work to Offload Misfits

January 24, 2023 Enrico Passarella AC Milan, Calciomercato, Hellas Verona, Inter Milan, Italian Football, Premier League, Roma, Serie A, Serie A 2022-2023, Spezia, Torino, Transfer Market

On top of searching for reinforcements, the Serie A heavyweights are trying to rid themselves of excess players in the final days of the transfer market window. Milan, Inter, and especially Roma are looking to trim the squad to make room for additions. That's particularly crucial for the Giallorossi.

Author: Enrico Passarella